Building an ADU in San Luis Obispo: Month 2 Update
Welcome back to our journey of building an ADU in San Luis Obispo for Cal Poly students! We’re now two months into the project, and things are moving along smoothly—two months, two payments, and so far, so good.
Progress Update
• Foundation: The foundation is officially in place! Before pouring, we had to ensure everything was up to code and in the right spot.
• Our survey company came out to confirm the foundation’s placement. Part of this process involved obtaining an official letter verifying that the foundation is in the correct location and meets setback requirements. This document is critical and must be sent to the city as part of the approval process. While this added some extra time and cost, it’s an essential step to ensure compliance.
• Additionally, our engineering company inspected the site to verify that the soil was properly compacted and free of roots, particularly after removing a large oak tree.
Design Choices: Back to Basics
I’ve been contemplating the design—should I go bold and creative, or stick to something simple and timeless? Ultimately, I’ve decided to go back to basics: clean, simple white finishes.
• Vanities: Cyber Monday came to the rescue! I scored two beautiful vanities from Build.com—a matching set, one double and one single, to fit the bathrooms’ dimensions. Not only were they a great deal, but they’re also being delivered tomorrow. For now, they’ll live in the garage until we’re ready to install.
• Windows: The windows are officially ordered! We went with Milgard v300 Trinsic White Vinyl, a middle-of-the-road option that balances quality and cost.
Lessons Learned
Building an ADU comes with its challenges and surprises, but it’s all about planning ahead and watching those pennies. From unexpected survey and engineering costs to scoring deals on fixtures, every step requires a mix of foresight and flexibility.
We’re thrilled to see the progress and can’t wait to share more updates as we move into the next stages of construction. Stay tuned for Month 3, where we’ll dive deeper into interior choices and framing!
If you’re considering building an ADU or just want to follow along, feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions below!
